Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Imagine! - a Picture Book Illustration Exhibit


Hello again!  Since my last post I've been in a whirlwind of activity, both professional and personal, but I'm happy to be back, with new posts to come!

There are not many opportunities to see exhibitions of original paintings created to illustrate children's books.  I was particularly honored to be chosen as one of the 22 artists included in the current exhibition at the dA Center for the Arts in Pomona (California) with two of my illustrations from Signed, Abiah Rose.  The non-profit gallery and community gathering place organized the event with the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

No matter how beautifully paintings are reproduced, nothing can equal the experience of seeing original art.  The dA Center wished to highlight "some of the best examples of how illustrations sharpen perception, stimulate imagination and increase sense of observation for all ages".

Gina Capaldi

 

There was a very enjoyable and well-attended reception on opening night, with an opportunity to meet the illustrators and authors of the featured books and to have books signed.  Some pieces of art were offered for sale.

It was lovely to see so many old friends and make new ones!
Frans Vischer
Mary Ann Fraser




Joe Cepeda






My friend, award-winning illustrator Joe Cepeda, was the honored special guest illustrator.  He spoke of his appreciation of the opportunity to interact with the community and to have a venue to celebrate children's books.





 


The SCBWI OC/IE Gallery Committee (Gina Capaldi, Priscilla Burris, QL Pierce, Francesca Rusackas) and Margaret Aichele, Executive Director of the dA, did a beautiful job organizing the exhibition and the opening event!  

Check out the fabulous window display!  My photos didn't do it justice -- see it for yourself!  The Imagine! exhibition runs through July 18, 2015.